Eight Hawai'i players plan on signing binding letters of intent in November to play baseball at NCAA Division I schools.

Hawai'i will have half of them, getting verbal commitments from Kailua catcher Alan Baldwin, Mid-Pacific pitcher Lawrence Chew, Saint Louis outfielder Kaeo Aliviado and Moanalua pitcher Jordan DePonte.

Also making verbal commitments were: Mid-Pacific shortstop Justin Protacio to Kansas, 'Iolani pitcher Carlos Rodriguez to Oregon State and Punahou outfielder Michael Suiter to Santa Clara.

Saint Louis pitcher/infielder Kalei Contrades said he will verbally commit to San Jose State later this week.

The early signing period is Nov.10 to 17.

"My coach (Kailua coach Corey Ishigo) went there," Baldwin said of UH. "I wanted to stay at home. My parents might retire here."

Baldwin said he is a military dependent. His family moved here when he was in eighth grade.

Aliviado is remembered as the little first baseman with the big smile for the 2005 'Ewa Beach LIttle League World Series championship team. He is the only member so far who will play at the Division I level.

"It feels like a blessing from God," Aliviado said. "All the hard work paid off."

Aside from playing at home for his family, Aliviado said he likes the UH program and coaches.

DePonte, a right-handed pitcher, said Long Beach State, Nevada-Las Vegas and Washington also "showed interest." But he chose the Rainbows.

"I wanted to play for them ever since I was a small kid," he said.

Mid-Pacific coach Dunn Muramaru confirmed Chew's verbal commitment. Chew is a left-handed pitcher.

Suiter said he also had offers from Southern California, Oregon State, Long Beach State, San Francisco, Kansas, but chose Santa Clara "because they gave the most (scholarship money).

"I'll also be given a a shot to play as a freshman."

Rodriguez, a left-handed pitcher, said he had offers from UH, Arizona, UC Irvine and Arizona State. But liked Oregon State's coach Pat Casey.

"I chose them mostly because of the head coach," Rodriguez said. "He's a family guy and treats his players like family."

Muramaru also confirmed Protacio's decision to choose Kansas.

"He works super hard," Muramaru said of his shortstop. "He'll be successful where ever he goes."

A number of players from O'ahu and the Neighbor Islands took part in the 2010 Hawai'i Fall Showcase over the weekend at Hans L'Orange Park in Waipahu. Pro scouts from about 10 organizations scouted the players.

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